We're All Ears :: June Reveal :: Lightning Bugs + Fireflies

After spending almost a whole week in Milwaukee for the Bead & Button show and turning around this week to chaperone 10 dancers at a pre-collegiate dance invitational, that didn't leave much room for making earrings. But it is my party, so I have to be sure that at least I set up the space to allow everyone else to have fun!

I decided to whip up two pairs of earrings: one inspired by the look and shape of the actual firefly beetle, and the other inspired by the lights dancing around in the night forest. (To see the inspiration, please click here.)

I gave myself one hour to make, photograph and post. A true quickfire challenge!

Here is the first pair called Lampein for the Greek word that their species, Lampyridae, comes from and literally means "to shine," It is funny that this rather unassuming and rather drab looking winge beetle (they are not flies at all!) can produce such a wonderful nighttime light show!

And the second pair I made is called Flashy Flirt for the playful way they do their mating dance in the dark of the forest.

Now it is your turn! If you made some earrings for the Firefly challenge, please share your link below. If you didn't make any and want to do your own quickfire challenge, please join in the fun! The LinkTools will be open for one week. And don't forget to hop around and see all the fun nighttime summertime earrings that were made!

We're All Ears :: June Inspiration :: Fireflies

A right of passage. A curious wonder. A light show like no other. An iconic image of summers past.... fireflies.

Have you ever seen a firefly?

By Bruce Marlin - Own work http://www.cirrusimage.com/beetle_firefly_Photuris_lucicrescens.htm, CC BY-SA 2.5, Link

They seem innocent enough, these brown and tan striped, soft-bodied winged beetles. The Lampyridae is commonly referred to as a firefly or lightning bug. These winged beetles have a bioluminescent glow that attract mates or prey. Their bright little light is a 'cold light' in that it doesn't produce any heat, but is a chemical reaction from the lower abdomen and can be seen as yellow, green or pale red. Tiny antennae on top of their semi-circle heads. I love the heart shape of their tiny feet. But they are a rather unassuming sort of bug. Until the twilight hour. That is when this little creature puts on a spectacular show.


What a magical experience..."as if the stars have come to settle in the forest." These synchronous fireflies all start together and flash together and then stop only to start all over again. And it is mainly about getting lucky! They flash each other and hook up. How romantic!

I have only seen fireflies a few times in my life but it truly is mesmerizing. Have you seen these lightning bugs? Do you remember trapping them in jars and watching them all night long?

Share your firefly experience and make some earrings inspired by these mighty awesome bugs. See you for the reveal on June 16th!